Bonarda

History of the grape: Bonarda is a confusing grape to describe because, depending on where it was made, one person’s Bonarda is another person’s Charbono. The story begins in Italy, where this grape has three offshoots: The Bonarda grape planted in north central Italy in Otrepo Pavese and Colli Piacentini is known there as Croatina. When one sees “Bonarda” on an Italian wine, chances are it is this grape, which originated in Croatia, hence the name. Then there is the Bonarda known as Uva Rara (Bonardo Novarese) grown in Piedmont. Finally, the Bonarda known as Bonarda Piemontese, which is also from Piedmont, but very rarely seen, however, this is considered the “true” Bonarda.

A grape known as Bonarda has become one of the top two most popular red grapes in Argentina (next to Malbec). However, that grape is believed to really be Charbono (Corbeau in France), and not related to the Italian Read more »

History of the grape: Bonarda is a confusing grape to describe because, depending on where it was made, one person’s Bonarda is another person’s Charbono. The story begins in Italy, where this grape has three offshoots: The Bonarda grape planted in north central Italy in Otrepo Pavese and Colli Piacentini is known there as Croatina. When one sees “Bonarda” on an Italian wine, chances are it is this grape, which originated in Croatia, hence the name. Then there is the Bonarda known as Uva Rara (Bonardo Novarese) grown in Piedmont. Finally, the Bonarda known as Bonarda Piemontese, which is also from Piedmont, but very rarely seen, however, this is considered the “true” Bonarda.

A grape known as Bonarda has become one of the top two most popular red grapes in Argentina (next to Malbec). However, that grape is believed to really be Charbono (Corbeau in France), and not related to the Italian grapes at all. Conclusive tests still have yet to be done. The same for US Bonarda, though many producers make wine labeled as Charbono to make that distinction.

A very confusing situation indeed. But nonetheless, whether Charbono or Bonarda, both are worth seeking out.

This fruity, creamy vinaigrette is the perfect way to use up overripe tomatoes while still saving their flavor. It was created for our steak salad but is equally tasty on a hearty salad or as a sim... Read more »

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It always seemed odd to us that in Piemonte, the land of Barolo, the King of Wines and the Wine of Kings, we would always find a bottle of Barbera in front of us on the table. The answer was and is simple: Barbera is bountiful, versatile, delicious and...

Red blends. It’s a term that has been bandied about quite liberally over the past several years, commonly referring to 'kitchen sink' wines that are overtly fruity and sweet enough to need their own category in which to hide.

Talk long enough about Bonarda and you'll hear all the keywords of ill-repute. High yield. Simple. Jug. Bulk. Once Argentina's most widely planted variety (it recently lost the honor to Malbec), Bonarda has long been plied for fruity, anonymous juice -...

In case you missed out on our most recent Virtual Tasting, we enjoyed a stellar lineup of Malbec-based wines with Nora Favelukes, the U.S. representative of the Wines of Argentina. Just in time for Malbec World Day, April 17th, take advantage of all th...

Many of you here (such as myself) developed a taste for red wines long before your taste for whites – I still prefer the complexity of a red, even if it is 90 degrees outside. Here are a few wines I recommend that are low in acidity, making them smooth...

A complex bouquet of ink, laundry detergent, and roses sets the stage for a nice mix of berry flavors – the sweetness of the bonarda is quite evident; the texture is still rather austere, though. (AV 87, http://argovino.com/?p=568)

The wine shows a brilliant ruby red color and nuances of ruby red, moderate transparency. The nose denotes clean aromas, mainly of fruit, such as black cherry, raspberry, blueberry, blackberry and plum followed by hints of toffee. Good correspondence t...

Eucalyptus accent on the nose. The nose is also quite earthy.
The color of this wine is notable and gets your attention. It's a very deep, dark almost violet/black.
On the palate there are dark, overripe fruits. Mainly black cherry but with a...

An inky bouquet with whiffs of latex and wildflowers already makes this budget option hopes of being a stellar deal, and in the mouth it’s luscious and fruit-filled, the tannins still a bit rough, but the bitterness controlled. More intense than it has...

One of the better Malbec I have had and a steal at this price. Deep ruby red in color. Strong aroma of red fruits will slight hints of vanilla. Medium mouth feel with nice intensity. Black current and chocolate palate blended well with the American oak...

This wine combines hearty blueberry and cherry with hints of fig and milk chocolate. It feels sweet, but crisp, and has a long, subtle finish with smooth well integrated tannins.
Chh, Chhh, Chhh - Cherry Cola!

Very soft and smooth despite high alcohol content. Purple-ruby color with a tinge of maroon at the edges. Nose opens up with aeration, definitely vanilla and hoisin/Asian spice notes on nose and palate. Creamy with fig and dried fruit palate (no cherry...

Many bonardas have an attractive sweetness but are a little rough around the edges, and this one is no different. There’s a glimpse of cinnamon just as it touches the tongue, and the tannic edge makes a nice contrast for the fattiness of cured meats. (...

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Bonarda Wines

It always seemed odd to us that in Piemonte, the land of Barolo, the King of ... ... Barbera is blended with Bonarda (aka Croatina) to make the legendary DOC Gutturnio, a resurrection of the ancient Roman Gutturnium. In 1985 the world of Barbera changed forever with the release of Giacomo Bologna’s mythical 1982 Bricco dell’ Ucellone. This wa...
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Oct. 2014, Polly's. Mary, said it was tasty and a bargain. I will look for another and maybe get a taste this time. Doubt it.
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Wine review
by
raindance

October 2014

Red blends. It’s a term that has been bandied about quite liberally over ... Sauvignon, 17% Syrah, 10% Bonarda Very perfumed on the nose, a bit balsamic with lots of spicy wood notes and intense black currant and plum fruit with just a hint of black pepper. Smooth, rich and powerful on the palate with a hint of slaty minerality adding nice dep...
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Very perfumed on the nose, a bit balsamic with lots of spicy wood notes and intense black currant and plum fruit with just a hint of black pepper. Smooth, rich and powerful on the palate with a hint of slaty minerality adding nice depth here. More medium weight than one might expect from the nose, the fruit here is rich but shows restrained ripe...
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Pantera is synonim for Luretta. A charming mix of three different wine wine species and the percentage of witch is a family secret. Spicy flavours of pepper and cinnamon blend harmoniously with tannin softness and intense flavours of ripe fruit
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A full bodied red wine with persistent flavor of blackberry.perfect pairing with red meat.
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Wine review
by
paul1970

July 2014

For someone who drinks a lot of expensive wine I can have decidedly plebeian ... Sauvignon, 20% Syrah, 20% Bonarda, 20% Tannat A bit sour on the nose with black fruit, toasty spice and some muddy herbal notes and just a hint of peppery spice. A touch of sweetness greets the palate followed by rich black fruit, dates, and cedar in the mouth th...
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20% Malbec, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Syrah, 20% Bonarda, 20% Tannat A bit sour on the nose with black fruit, toasty spice and some muddy herbal notes and just a hint of peppery spice. A touch of sweetness greets the palate followed by rich black fruit, dates, and cedar in the mouth thats supported by dry and slightly oaky tannins. The fruit ...
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Wine review
by
Gregory Dal Piaz

Aug 10, 2011

Bonarda is a real Argentinean PowerHouse! Check out the Caligoire Reserve Organic Bonarda for one packed with flavor for a great value price! http://www.snooth.com/wine/caligiore-reserve-bonarda/
It has this great Cherry Cola note that you will love!

Comment
by
282534cjcribb282534

Jun 30, 2010

I am in the Military and when I was in Germany I bought some wine and it was the best I have ever tasted. I saved the bottle for my retirement ceremony. I loved it more now than I did when I bought it in 2006. I toaseted with several other friends and they wanted more, but I only had the one bottle.
I would like to know how I can get a coup...

Comment
by
518821cjscrapy518821

Oct 16, 2009

According to their website, the Julia Wine #16 is a Cabernet Sauvignon/Bonarda blend whereas their #18 is straight Bonarda. I'm trying a bottle tonight!